How to Deal With PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the physical or mood changes a woman experiences before menstruation. These symptoms may affect a woman’s life.

Home Remedies for PMS

Although there is no sure-fire cure for PMS, some home remedies can help you feel better.

1. Ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals

A study corroborated the fact that women deficient in certain vitamins, such as vitamins D and B, and minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, are likely to experience PMS. (1)(2)(3)

Hence, restoring calcium and vitamin D levels can help reduce the symptoms of PMS. (4) Calcium is required to keep your hormone levels balanced.

Magnesium and vitamin B6 may help curb the food cravings, breast tenderness, fluid retention, bloating, and migraine associated with PMS. (5) Both nutrients contribute to the reduction of stress and cramps.

How to use:

• Consume foods rich in calcium and magnesium, such as green leafy vegetables, beans, kelp, bananas, nuts, and seeds.
• Include in your diet vitamin B-rich foods, such as eggs, milk, poultry, fish, soybeans, leafy greens, whole grains, wheat germ, oatmeal, and various nuts and seeds.
• Eat pistachios, garbanzo beans, and potatoes to incorporate vitamin B6 in your diet.
• You can also consult your doctor for an appropriate supplement.

2. Consider chasteberry extract

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is a remedy touted for its effects on diseases related to hormonal imbalances.

The use of chasteberry extract was found to be a safe alternative to get relief from the symptoms of PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). (6)(7)(8)

However, further balanced clinical trials are required to establish the efficacy of chasteberry on PMS. (7)(8)

How to use: Take 400 mg of the standardized extract of this herb daily with a glass of water.

3. Use fennel to relieve bloating

Fennel may help alleviate the stomach cramps and other symptoms experienced during PMS. Also, the natural digestive and diuretic properties of fennel, along with regular exercise, may help reduce the associated bloating and stress. (9)(10)

However, further studies are required to confirm its effects. (10)

How to use:

• Chamomile tea is known to reduce bloating, and you can enhance this effect by adding some fennel seeds to this therapeutic beverage.
• You can directly chew some fennel seeds to soothe your abdominal distress.
• If the taste of raw fennel is too strong for you, simply boil a handful of crushed seeds, filter the liquid in a glass, and drink this fennel infused water when it cools down a bit.

4. Up your omega-3 fatty acid intake

Eating food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids or taking supplements may also help curtail the symptoms of PMS. (11)

Omega-3 fatty acids may help avert both emotional and physical PMS symptoms such as nervousness, depression, breast tenderness (mastalgia), headache, and bloating. (12)

How to use:

• Incorporate foods rich in essential fatty acids in your diet. These include fatty fishes, coconut oil, eggs, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.
• Before the onset of menstrual bleeding, ditch the regular processed flour bread and cookies and opt for bread containing flaxseeds.
• Add ground flaxseeds to your meals. You can add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds twice daily to your oatmeal, smoothies, salads, cereals, dough, dressing, or sautéed vegetables.

5. Choose turmeric to manage stomach cramps

Turmeric has been used extensively as an anti-inflammatory in traditional medicine. The curcumin present in it may help reduce the pain due to inflammation.

One study indicated that curcumin also possesses neurotransmitter-modulating effects that significantly decrease the severity of PMS symptoms in women. (13) However, the results of the study are limited due to its small sample size and variety. (13)

How to use: Consider taking curcumin capsules upon the approval of your doctor.

6. Drink ginger tea to pacify the cramps

Renowned for its healing properties in alternative medicine, ginger may safely help reduce menstrual problems, including cramps, PMS, and irregular menstruation. (14)

However, further studies are required to support its dosage, safety, and effectiveness in treating PMS. (14)

How to use: Boil a few slices of ginger with a cup of water and consume once daily.

7. Use St. John’s wort to manage mood swings

St. John’s wort can help improve both the physical and behavioral symptoms of PMS to significant levels. However, further research is required to highlight the role of this herb in the long-term treatment of symptoms and pain management of PMS. (15)

How to use: You can consider taking 300 mg of the herb extract (standardized to 5% hyperforin) three times daily to help relieve the symptoms of PMS. Always take supplements upon your doctor’s approval.

8. Drink chamomile tea to relieve cramps

Chamomile herb possesses antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help improve PMS symptoms. It is especially useful for relieving painful cramps as it helps relax the uterus walls and reduces prostaglandin production. (16)

How to use: Mix 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea in a cup of hot water and consume.

9. Consume bananas to reduce bloating

Bananas contain high amounts of potassium and vitamin B6, which helps prevent water retention and bloating. Moreover, a lack of potassium can induce muscle cramping. (17)

However, this remedy is based on anecdotal evidence and not scientifically proven.

How to use: Include one banana in your daily diet.

10. Drink apple cider vinegar for PMS symptoms

The use of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to help manage symptoms such as water retention, bloating, headache, cramping, fatigue, and irritability is a popular anecdotal remedy.

It is best to consult your doctor before consuming ACV due to the lack of scientific evidence.

How to use: Dilute 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and consume for 2 weeks before menstruation.

11. Eat blackstrap molasses to prevent cramps

Molasses are natural sweeteners that can help prevent uterine cramps. Moreover, they are loaded with nutrients such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, and vitamin B6.

How to use: Consume 2–3 tablespoons of molasses daily. Consult your doctor before use.

Alternative Treatments for PMS

Here are a few alternative therapies that can help manage PMS symptoms.

1. Aromatherapy

Essential oils are known to have a positive effect on your emotional and physical health by reducing stress, relieving pain, and inducing sleep. (18)

The essential oils commonly used for PMS include:

How to use: Add a few drops of essential oils to a warm bath or a cotton ball and inhale. Alternatively, you can mix the essential oils in a carrier oil and use it to massage your abdomen.

2. Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture therapy can help improve emotional well-being and the physical symptoms of PMS. (19) Acupuncture and acupressure also improve quality of life, both emotionally and physically. Consult an acupuncture specialist for treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

Implementing a few lifestyle changes in your routine can help curtail the symptoms of mild PMS to quite an extent.

• Limit your intake of caffeine 2 weeks before the onset of menstruation. Increased levels of caffeine can worsen the tenderness in your breasts right before your periods.
• Cut back on the consumption of alcoholic beverages 14 days before your period to prevent your moods from going down. Alcohol consumption can make you feel depressed.
• Quit smoking.
• Try to get the required 8 hours of sleep to keep yourself relaxed and fatigue-free.
• Manage your stress through relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, counseling, cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), and meditation, which can help you relax and relieve the associated stress and anxiety.
• Reduce your salt intake to avoid bloating, a common occurrence during periods.
• Reduce your intake of processed foods, dairy products, and refined sugars.
• Eat a healthy, wholesome diet with generous amounts of vitamins and minerals.
• Eat fiber-rich foods to allow intestinal clearance of estrogen. You can eat raw carrots for this purpose.
• Make sure to drink sufficient water, around 6–8 glasses each day.
• Try engaging in light exercises. Exercise triggers the secretion of “happy” hormones called endorphins that help reduce the pain and help you relax. Do aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, riding a bike, swimming, or any activity that gets your heart rate up, preferably daily for at least 20 minutes, three times a week. (20)(21)

Final Word

The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome usually subside after menopause. Since the cause of PMS is not known, it is difficult to prevent it. However, modifying your lifestyle and trying home remedies can help ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Continue ReadingPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment